Planning and Conservation

It is impossible and impractical to stem the flow of change, and we recognise that the architectural development of the borough will add to its variety and interest in the future.

However, this process of redevelopment and regeneration must be monitored and controlled in order to ensure that Hackney's historic buildings and Conservation Areas are not stripped of their character and distinctiveness, and that new developments aim for a standard of design that pays respect to the past and contributes positively to the future.

Hackney Society Planning Group

Formed in 2010 and reformed in 2013 after a brief hiatus, the Hackney Society Planning Group (HSPG) aims to comment on large-scale and strategic planning applications, built environment and heritage policy documents, local consultations and planning applications associated with listed buildings outside of conservation areas, within the Borough of Hackney.

If you can work in a team, possess sound judgement and a good visual sense and can spare one evening a month (usually the third Monday), then we would be interested in meeting you to join us. Although the committee largely consists of architects and associated professionals, no experience is necessary, but a keen interest in the local built environment is a must.

Hackney Conservation Areas Advisory Committees

If you prefer to get involved in heritage and conservation matters exclusively and (typically) smaller schemes, there are six Conservation Area Advisory Committees (CAACs) which work alongside the Planning Group covering all applications in Hackney's Conservation Areas. Click here for more details. Enthusiastic lay members with an interest in heritage and conservation, and an eye for detail are particularly welcome.